Collapsible Enclosure

ABSTRACT

A collapsible enclosure comprising a plurality of support arms, supporting a canopy and movable on a track, from a stored position in which the support arms lie side by side in a substantially horizontal configuration, to an in-use position in which the support arms are erected in spaced apart arrangement in a substantially vertical configuration to define an enclosure, and means to hold the support arms in the spaced apart condition. Preferably the support arms are stored in an underground structure at the location where the enclosure is to be erected.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. national phase of PCT/EP2008/007163, filedSep. 2, 2008, and asserts priority from UK application 0717432.9, filedSep. 7, 2007, which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a collapsible enclosure and inparticular to an enclosure which is stored in a collapsed condition on asite and which may be readily deployed or erected on the site to form anenclosed space to be used for any desired purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to the disclosure, there is provided a collapsible enclosurecomprising a plurality of support arms, supporting a canopy and movableon a track, from a stored position in which the support arms lie side byside in a substantially horizontal configuration to an in-use positionin which the support arms are erected in spaced apart arrangement in asubstantially vertical configuration to define an enclosure, and meansto hold the support arms in the spaced apart condition.

In a preferred form of the invention, the support arms are stored in anunderground structure at the location where the enclosure is to beerected.

Preferably each support arm is of arcuate shape and has opposing uprightsections, the ends of which are provided with wheeled bogies.

There is preferably provided a track and guide rails on which thewheeled bogies engage to facilitate movement of the support arms fromthe stored position to the in-use position.

Preferably, there is provided two sets of support arms, each set storedin a respective underground structure. The support arms of each setsupport a part of a canopy such that at least one support arm of eachset is in-use engaged with the corresponding support arm of the otherset to define an overall structure of the enclosure.

The means to move the support arms and to hold them in the erectposition preferably comprises drum winches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examplewith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional elevation of the collapsible enclosure accordingto the disclosure when not in use;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a fullydeployed condition;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the foundation structure of the apparatus ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 4 a is a plan view of a foundation structure according to analternative embodiment;

FIG. 4 b is a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 4 a;

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c are sectional views of alternative profiles ofapparatus;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a track and wheeled bogie of the apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a high level winch and support strapaccording to the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in an erectedcondition;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a seating arrangement in the apparatus of FIG.9; and

FIG. 11 is a view of a strap arrangement for reinforcing the apparatusof FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein similar numerals have been used toindicate like parts there is shown therein a collapsible enclosure 10comprising a plurality of support arms 11 supporting a canopy 12 to forma canopy ribbed structure 12′ (FIG. 9). The support arms 11 are movablefrom a substantially horizontal collapsed or stored position 13 in whichthe support arms 11 lie side by side to an in-use position 14 in whichthe support arms 11 are erected in substantially vertical spaced apartarrangement to define an enclosure 15.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in the stored position 12, each set 11′, 11″of support arms is contained in a respective reinforced concrete, steelor grp (or a combination of any of these) sub-surface structure 16.FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show a sub-surface structure 16 a for containingsupport arms 11 a of an alternative embodiment having a wider span, suchas that shown in FIG. 5 c. The support arms 11′, 11″ and canopy 12 areto be mechanically retracted into and erected out of this basement orpit-type structure 16,16 a. The structure will offer full watertightness to the enclosed space through proprietary tanking systems andwill incorporate low level sumps (13, FIGS. 4 a and 4 b) at specificlocations whereby any water ingress can be collected and automaticallypumped out to local storm drainage systems.

A barrier wall may be provided on or adjacent an inner wall of thestructure 16,16 a to be moveable between a lowered, below groundposition when the enclosure is not in use, and a raised position to forma peripheral boundary around the perimeter of the interior of theenclosure to prevent persons and/or objects from falling into thestructure 16,16 a.

Running tracks 17 of reinforced concrete, steel or GRP (or a combinationof all three materials) with inset steel guide rails 18 are locatedalong the two sides of the enclosure. The guide rails 18 are bolt fixedto the solid track. Each track 17 and guide rails will travel around aspecified radius 19 in the vertical plane below ground level and alignwith the sub-strata enclosing structure 16 at opposing ends of thestructure. This will allow a smooth path for wheeled bogies 20 at thebase 21 of each arm 11 of the canopy ribbed structure 12′ to retractinto the ground enclosure and be erected from it.

The mild steel guide rails 18 on which the wheels 20 will run will bebolted to the running track. Two rails will be fitted on each side ofthe enclosure 15 and each of these will consist of top 18′ and bottom18″ rails to provide positive location of the bogies.

The structural lightweight support aims 11 will be identical for eachbespoke enclosure and are shown on sectional drawings as semicircular onvertical posts. However to provide wider spans and lower roof heightsthe profile may not always be semicircular form and alternatives areindicated although are non-exhaustive profiles in FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5c. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 c, each support arm 11 a comprisesa truss structure. The use of the enclosing space within the enclosurestructure will dictate the required profile.

The aims 11 may incorporate services including lighting acousticspeakers that may be permanently fixed within or onto the structure.Power to these services may be actuated when the spans are in the fullydeployed position and an electrical connection may be made automaticallyat the base of each structure within the track.

The support arms 11 will be mounted on the wheeled bogie chassis 20 thatwill run within the track. Since the arms 11 will be perpendicular tothe bogies axis', they will be forced to rotate through 90 degrees fromhorizontal to vertical with the end aims at varying angles of deploymentbetween 0 and 90 degrees to form the enclosure as the bogies travelaround the curved rail 19 and along the horizontal tract and enclosedrails. The enclosing fabric of the canopy 12 is fixed to the structuralaims 11 either directly or by secondary means to form the enclosurecanopy 12. The material of canopy 12 is a flexible waterproofself-cleaning structural membrane that is automatically folded duringretraction and opened automatically during deployment.

The bogie wheel-sets 20 are fixed at each side of the support arms. Thewheel-sets 20 will consist of equal sized wheels with concave rimprofile located on a fixed wheelbase. These self supporting wheel-setswill run between the top and bottom rails, 18′, 18″.

Electrically operated drum winches 50 will be located in undergroundconcrete steel or grp enclosures at locations along the running track 17typically adjacent mid-span. The winches and the steel cables thereinwill be used in the deployment as pulling winches and in retraction asrestraints all under full automated control. High tensile steel cableswill be wound on the winch drums. The cable will be connected betweenthe winch and bogie units 20 and will bear the load required to pull thespans around the track.

Retractable spring-return cables attached to counter balancedspring-return units will be mounted between the bogies 20 and atlocations around the structural spans to assist pulling and retractioncontrol. These spring return cables enable designated cable lengths tobe paid out between the spans. The cables will be sized to ensure thatthe outer skin membrane is not under load when the system is deployed.They will then self retract as the system itself is retracted.

Each set of supports arms 11′, 11″ may be interconnected adjacent theupper position of the abutting support arms 11 (i.e. the innermostsupport arm of each set) by a winch and cable arrangement allowing theinnermost support arms to be pulled towards one another duringdeployment. A central surface channel may be provided into which thecable may be received when the enclosure is stored within the structures16 when not in use.

A centrally hydraulically actuated post 51 may be located at the centreof the enclosure, housed underground in a concrete steel or grpenclosure anchored to a concrete foundation. Like the ram in a hydraulicelevator, the post may rise and retract from below ground in thislocation. This post is an optional item that can be utilized as a largerbespoke enclosure requires for both assisted lifting of the canopy fromrest and additional control of deployment and retraction e.g. duringturbulent weather conditions. When utilised in the design two steelcables are connected from an automatically remote controlled winch 40(FIG. 7) at the apex 41 of both first spans when at rest horizontally inthe ground through a pulley fixed to the top of the post and into twoseparate winches fixed to a foundation adjacent to each side of thepost. The post is automatically erected to desired height just below themaximum height of the enclosure.

The winches automatically release the cables to a designated length.Both winches automatically begin to then retract simultaneously and inconjunction with pulling forces as the bogies provide an even andassisted lifting force to the apex from an elevated position (on top ofthe post). As the cables work in opposite directions the post is inequilibrium. The winches continue retracting until the first spans ofeach side of the canopy are aligned and meet in the centre. Solenoidlocking bolts actuate at locations around the junction of the firs arms11 and hold the structure together. A neoprene skirt on the externalside and a neoprene seal on the touching faces provide a watertight sealall around this junction.

The post is then retracted with the high-level mid-span winches payingout cable. When the post is at rest within the sub strata enclosure thecable is manually unclipped and a remote control signal activates thehigh level winches at the arms midpoint and retracts the cable therebyretaining it at high-level. In reverse the remote control releases thecables they are attached to the post, the post is erected and theprocess reverses until the canopy is at rest in the sub strataenclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, nylon straps 100 may be connected at variouspoints between the arms and at specific points around the arms toprovide additional pulling support at multiple locations around thespans during deployment to prevent excessive stress from being appliedto the canopy. Preferably the straps are arranged such that the canopyis not load bearing, the straps supporting the support arms 11 in spacedrelationship from one another.

The canopy proprietary membrane 12 is a self cleaning flexible membrane.This membrane can also incorporate coloured panels or portions foraesthetics or translucent portions for assisted solar gain and addednatural light to the enclosed space when deployed. The membrane can alsoincorporate porous material throughout to assist natural ventilation ofthe enclosed space.

Architecturally aesthetic projecting stainless steel pylons 30 may beprovided, projecting on the external side of the membrane incorporatestainless steel cables 31 which are retractable while at rest.

Flexible doors 32 and frames in rubber or plastic are to be incorporatedthroughout as necessary to facilitate access and egress. These doors areintegral to the structure and are hinges off the arms 11. These doorsand frame also retract and fold with the cover membrane duringdeployment and retraction.

The electronic control system will enable automatic deployment andretraction of the various elements of the system.

Operation of the system is as follows:

Deployment Procedure.

Hinges covers 35 are mechanically lifted to expose storage areas andguide tracks. This is done automatically using a combination ofelectrical actuators and mechanical cam rails. Structural arms arepulled around track by winch units in each track. Each structural arm isfitted with a double wheeled fixed bogie. This arrangement causes thearms to be rotated as it travels around the guide track.

Once the arms have been lifted around the guide track the winchescontinue to pull the assembly to centre position. Winch units at thebase of the track deploy additional cable to allow the units to moveforward.

The wheels of the last vertical arm are locked in position by solenoidactuated locks.

This process is carried out on both halves of the assembly at the sametime.

The two units meet in the centre and close against a neoprene seal.

The centre arms are locked together with solenoid actuated locks.Internal services are automatically connected as required.

Retraction Procedure.

Internal services are disconnected.

Solenoid locks on centre arms are released.

Solenoid locks on side wheels are released.

Tension on winches is released in a controlled manner to allow assemblyto retract. Retraction is achieved by means of spring retractable cablereels between each arm. As the cable tension is released by the winch,these units pull the wheeled ribs back down the track to the storagearea.

Winch units at the base of the track provide additional tension toretract the units to their original position. Optionally additionalwinches may be employed at the base of the structure 16 to assist withretraction.

This process is carried out on both halves of the assembly at the sametime.

The hinged covers are returned to the storage position.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 12 to 14. As with the firstembodiment, the collapsible enclosure 110 comprises a plurality ofsupport arms 111 supporting a canopy (omitted for clarity) to formcollapsible enclosure. The support arms 111 are movable from asubstantially horizontal collapsed or stored position within afoundation structure 116, in which the support arms 111 lie side by sidein a horizontal configuration, to an in-use position in which thesupport arms 111 are erected in substantially vertical spaced apartarrangement to define an enclosure.

In the second embodiment, the support arms 111 have a greater span thanthose of the first embodiment, the arms 111 being similar in shape tothat shown in FIGS. 5 b and 5 c. To provide greater support for the widespan of the support arms 111, a centrally hydraulically actuated post151 is provided at the centre of the enclosure, extendable from anunderground housing to support a central region of the enclosure. Hepost may be hydraulically actuated to rise and retract from theunderground housing.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the lower ends 121 of the support arms 111are provided with wheeled bogies 120, each having a pair of wheel 125adapted to run within a U-shaped rail 118 mounted within a running track117 such that each support arm extends perpendicular to the track 117.Elongate ribs 119 are provided on the inner walls of the rails 118 toengage circumferential slots 130 in the wheels 125 to hold the wheels125 within the rails 118.

The wheels 125 of adjacent pairs of support arms 111 extend in oppositedirections such the wheels 125 a of a first support arm 111 a engage arail 118 a on the opposite side of the track 117 to the wheels 125 b ofthe adjacent support arms 111 b to provide sufficient clearance betweenthe wheels 125 to allow the support arms 111 move into abuttingrelationship when in their stored position.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but canbe amended or modified without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

1. A collapsible enclosure comprising a plurality of support arms,supporting a canopy and movable on a track, from a stored position inwhich the support arms lie side by side in a substantially horizontalconfiguration, to an in-use position in which the support arms areerected in spaced apart arrangement in a substantially verticalconfiguration to define an enclosure, and means to hold the support armsin the spaced apart condition.
 2. The collapsible enclosure of claim 1,wherein the support arms are stored in an underground structure at thelocation where the enclosure is to be erected.
 3. The collapsibleenclosure of claim 1, wherein each support arm is of arcuate orsubstantially arcuate shape and has opposing upright sections, the endsof which are provided with wheeled bogies.
 4. The collapsible enclosureof claim 3, further comprising a track and guide rails on which thewheeled bogies engage to facilitate movement of the support arms fromthe stored position to the in-use position.
 5. The collapsible enclosureof claim 1, wherein the canopy comprises a flexible sheet or membrane.6. The collapsible enclosure of claim 1, wherein two or more of saidsupport arms are arranged to lie substantially horizontally in theirin-use position to define end regions of the enclosure.
 7. Thecollapsible enclosure of claim 6, wherein the ends of the track extendsubstantially vertically with said underground structure, the trackextending substantially horizontally between said end regions of saidtrack between said vertical regions and said horizontal region followinga predetermined radius such that the support arms are guided to movebetween a substantially horizontal, beneath ground storage position anda substantially vertical above ground erected position.
 8. Thecollapsible structure of claim 1, wherein there is provided two sets ofsupport arms, each set stored in a respective underground structure. 9.The collapsible structure of claim 8, wherein the support aims of eachset support a part of the canopy such that at least one support arm ofeach set is in-use engaged with the corresponding support arm of theother set to define an overall structure of the enclosure.
 10. Thecollapsible enclosure of claim 1, wherein one or more flexible elongatetensile members extend between adjacent support arms, said tensilemembers being arranged to be under tension when the supports arms as intheir in-use position.
 11. The collapsible enclosure of claim 1, whereindrive means are provided for moving the support arms between theirstored and in-use positions.
 12. The collapsible enclosure of claim 11,wherein the drive means comprises one or more cables connected to one ormore of the support arms and one or more winding mechanisms for pullingthe support arms by means of the one or more cables, between theirstored and in-use positions.
 13. The collapsible enclosure of claim 12,wherein said one or more winding mechanisms comprise one or moreelectrically operated drum winches.
 14. The collapsible enclosure ofclaim 2, wherein each support arm is of arcuate or substantially arcuateshape and has opposing upright sections, the ends of which are providedwith wheeled bogies.
 15. The collapsible enclosure of claim 14, furthercomprising a track and guide rails on which the wheeled bogies engage tofacilitate movement of the support arms from the stored position to thein-use position.
 16. The collapsible enclosure of claim 14, wherein twoor more of said support arms are arranged to lie substantiallyhorizontally in their in-use position to define end regions of theenclosure.
 17. The collapsible enclosure of claim 16, wherein the endsof the track extend substantially vertically with said undergroundstructure, the track extending substantially horizontally between saidend regions of said track between said vertical regions and saidhorizontal region following a predetermined radius such that the supportarms are guided to move between a substantially horizontal, beneathground storage position and a substantially vertical above grounderected position.
 18. The collapsible enclosure of claim 14, whereindrive means are provided for moving the support arms between theirstored and in-use positions.
 19. The collapsible enclosure of claim 18,wherein the drive means comprises one or more cables connected to one ormore of the support arms and one or more winding mechanisms for pullingthe support arms by means of the one or more cables, between theirstored and in-use positions.